N. Texas/OK/Louisiana Hibernation

[Bibbit]

Hibernation stresses me out so much and it is getting to be that time again. I'm hoping some members from North Texas, Oklahoma, and/or Louisiana can share some advice. I used to hibernate my brood outside, but I agonized over it each year and eventually began doing it inside. I haven't liked that lately either, though, and am considering trying it outside again since the winters are milder than they used to be.

My idea is in their pen to build a 3 foot diameter wall with gardening stones in a circle a couple of feet high. I'd loosen the dirt at ground level and then add 6-12 inches of topsoil/moss, then about that height of leaves. With this configuration, if it gets below freezing significantly I should be able to find them fairly easily. That will also allow me to check them periodically.

Any thoughts on this plan? What do others in this area do? I just fear that I'm going to have to go get them every time it gets down to thirty two. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Bunny2746]

Hi ,I just saw this and I'm nervous about mine being outside for the first time. I am on the florida panhandle and the weather is very unpredictable. I have thought if it got below freezing I would go out and find them and bring inside as well. Can we do that?

 

[Bibbit]

Yes, you certainly can. I have been keeping mine in rubber tubs in the garage for the last few years. Once winter sets in, that keeps the temps around 40-50. That's okay, but it would be better to keep them at the lower ranges. The problem are those short term freezes that freak me out. If the temps drop really low, I lug the tubs in the house. I'm pretty certain one day at 30 degrees won't kill them when they are insulated with dirt and leaves, but I can't help but worry like crazy.